PSG Coach Denies Neymar Surgery Rumors

Paris Saint-Germain's coach denied rumors that Neymar will undergo surgery for his right foot injury. Unai Emery said on Tuesday that the Brazilian forward needs rest, and affirmed that there is a possibility for him to recover in time to play against Real Madrid next week in the second leg match for the Champions League round of 16.

"Neymar will not be operated on, that information is false," said the coach.

PSG is at a disadvantage of 3-1 in the series against Madrid, which will be decided on March 6th at Parc des Princes stadium in the French capital.

The most expensive football player in history was taken off the field on Sunday during PSG's 3-0 victory over Marseille in the French league. Medical tests revealed that he suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of the right foot and a sprained ankle. Immediately, reports emerged stating that the Brazilian decided to undergo surgery and would be sidelined for up to two months.

Metatarsal injuries are common in football and the recovery time can vary. After talking to the club's doctor, Emery said that Neymar has "a small fissure in the fifth metatarsal."

"We will see how he evolves in the coming days before making a decision," he added.

Emery did not specify how long their star player will be out, but insisted that "there is a small chance he can be ready for the match" against Madrid.

The coach also stated that he doesn't believe he made a mistake by fielding Neymar against Marseille, considering the crucial match against Madrid.

"We usually try to protect him by planning his workload with him, but it's normal that he played against Marseille, it was an important match," he affirmed.

Neymar's injury could also cause a headache for the Brazilian national team, which comes as one of the favorites for the World Cup starting in less than four months. When asked if PSG would feel the pressure from Brazil in dealing with Neymar's injury, the coach indicated that their priority is their team.

"The most important thing is us, although all players are concerned about the World Cup," he said. "Neymar wants to play against Real Madrid, and we are focused on that."

PSG's Qatari owners paid Barcelona 222 million euros (260 million dollars) to sign Neymar last summer, with the goal of winning the elusive Champions League title.

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